From one of the very first WISKA brass products to today's highlights: Our All-Stars of maritime sockets.

Safe performance at a high level. This is a property an All-Star team should have. On the occasion of our centenary, we are presenting our All-Stars team of maritime sockets from one hundred years of product development in detail.

1919 - WISKA starts with cast brass sockets

The small range of ship installation materials the company founders start in 1919, also includes sockets made of cast brass. The first series are already produced according to the first “Handelsschiff-Normenausschuss” (HNA) standards for sockets, which were introduced two years earlier. The material is very rugged and virtually indestructible, ideal for the harsh demands on board. The first sockets have an output of 250 volts, are round and equipped with one or two socket inserts.

1985 - The first reefer container socket from WISKA

In 1966, reefer containers are used on container ships for the first time. These are so-called CONAIR or PORTHOLE containers operated via the ship's central refrigeration system. The first reefer containers with their own refrigeration unit are used shortly afterwards around 1968. For the first time, these containers require a decentralised power supply from a reefer container socket. With the development of the integral reefer containers used today, the demand for reefer container sockets increases. These reefer containers operate fully automatically, only a power supply is required for operation. Due to our existing expertise for maritime sockets, WISKA launches its first single reefer container socket made of cast brass to the market in 1985.

Reefer container sockets are subject to specifically high safety demands which have to be followed permanently in the product development process. Voltage may only supply when switched on, only after the circuit breaker has been switched. Voltage-free plug-in and plug-out always need to be ensured.

The first reefer container socket has an output of max. 500 volts, is round, has a control switch on the housing and is equipped with a socket.

WISKA is the first European manufacturer to launch a multiple reefer container socket to the market. The further development from a single to a multiple reefer container socket enables several power outlets to be connected to only one main power supply. This innovative development ensures optimisation in many areas: Less space is required for connections, as the number of cables is reduced. Material consumption is generally lower, installation time is shortened and overall costs are optimised.

Of course, for multiple reefer container sockets safety is a crucial aspect. In addition to the requirements that are already placed on single reefer container sockets, multiple reefer container sockets have individually fused outlets.

The COMBICON has an output of 440 volts, is rectangular, has one control switch per outlet and is made of stainless steel. The number of gangs can vary.

1996 - VARITAIN® Classic, first model of the VARITAIN® series

For the first time, the brandname VARITAIN® appears in the naming of our reefer container sockets. It is a combination of the words VARIable and ConTAINer. The brand name gets registered as a trademark in 2014.

The first reefer container sockets of the VARITAIN® series have a patented switching mechanism. This allows for the socket to be locked and operated in a single process. The circuit breaker is operated directly next to the socket and no longer via a switch on the top of the housing. Operating the socket becomes easier and faster. The control switch and socket insert form one component and can be completely removed in one piece. This provides advantages in assembly and maintenance. The entire housing is simpler and straighter than its predecessors. The number of gangs can vary.

2003 - VARITAIN® Compact - from now on plastics are used

The first product of the VARITAIN® series with non-corrosive flanges* is the VARITAIN® Compact. The new material makes the products much lighter. The adapted new compact housing design optimises the space requirements of the reefer container sockets on board. The circuit-breaker is still operated directly next to the socket unit.

*Flange = Component to seal and close enclosures with screws and nuts.

2004 - VARITAIN® OneTouch launches single-handed operation

The VARITAIN® OneTouch is WISKA's first reefer container socket with single-handed operation and no external moving components - an absolute novelty. Elimination of external components reduces the need for spare parts. The condition operation of the circuit breaker has been placed into the housing. The circuit-breaker is now switched on by inserting the plug and a quarter turn to the right.

The EMSKV cable gland from WISKA is now used as a cable entry to the housing and guarantees IP67 protection.

2006 - VARITAIN® OneTouch ECO with WISKA circuit breaker

In order to enhance user-friendliness and its benefits, WISKA presents an improved reefer container socket with an adapted design and integrated WISKA circuit breaker, in 2006. This circuit-breaker is significantly co-developed by WISKA and represents a new generation of circuit-breakers that are now installed as standard in the reefer container sockets. This switch makes the operation of the reefer container socket even easier. Turning the plug is now done almost automatically.

2012 - VARITAIN® PushIn now makes any power supply quick and easy

Right from the start, WISKA attached great importance to close and good cooperation and permanent exchange with business partners. Many new ideas, approaches and optimisations have emerged from this in past years.

The VARITAIN® PushIn is the latest generation of reefer container sockets presented by WISKA in 2012. Simply insert the plug and the voltage will be supplied - that is how easy the new PushIn technology works. No more separate switching on and off by turning the plug is required. A LED display directly on the flange indicates the current status and a VentPLUG ensures correct pressure equalisation reducing condensation in the housing. WISKA produces the plug-in unit and bayonet cap in 2-component injection molding.

2014 - PushIn Mobile Splitter completes the range with another solution for more capacity

In 2014 WISKA launches the PushIn Mobile Splitter, a quick and easy solution to expand reefer container capacities on board. The PushIn Mobile Splitter can be easily moved with a carrying handle and works mobile without time-consuming assembly. The PushIn Mobile Splitter is equipped with all the features of the VARITAIN® series, such as PushIn technology, LED power function display, VentPLUG pressure equalisation unit and much more. This creates an additional gang per unit of high performance.

2016 - VARITAIN® PushIn Advance, maximum service with great user-friendliness

The first prototype of the VARITAIN® PushIn Advance is presented in 2016. The aim of this development is to provide the customer with a product that makes installation easier and reduces possible damage inside and outside the housing. In this development, WISKA again maintains a lively exchange with its customers and closely works with them to find the best solution.

The result: the installation of the VARITAIN® PushIn Advance is much easier thanks to an outside, easily accessible power terminal. The main power connection is now easier to access. The lid of the housing no longer needs to be opened during installation, reducing the risk of damage and failure.

Space is a valuable asset on a container vessels. Ships are getting larger and should transport flexibly and more reefer containers to suit the markets. To offer the customer a solution for these requirements, WISKA presents the VARITAIN® PushIn Rack In 2018. At first glance, the reefer container socket appears to have been turned upside down. The housing is built upright instead of horizontally as before. The flanges are angled at 45°, which makes it easier to plug in the reefer container sockets. Due to the upright position, a maximum number of 5 connections each side can be installed. The space-saving design allows a maximum number of sockets. Both models are equipped with the established advantages of the VARITAIN® series and meet highest demands.

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